Ohio Memory Staff Picks: Part I

Ohio Memory staff at the Ohio History Connection and State Library of Ohio contribute to the project in a variety of ways—scanning collections, writing metadata, working with Ohio Memory partners, maintaining and updating the website, and managing the many administrative aspects of a twenty year (and counting!) collaborative program. Being a part of the Ohio Memory team has many perks, one of which is becoming intimately familiar with some of the collections belonging to cultural heritage institutions across the state. While working with these rich collections over the years, it’s hard not to develop favorites. Here are the picks from Ohio Memory staff at the Ohio History Connection!

Lily Birkhimer, Digital Projects Coordinator

“I have always loved this photo from the Albert J. Ewing Collection, showing a young woman identified on the glass plate negative as “Bella Flanigan.” As Ewing traveled around the Appalachian region of southeastern Ohio and West Virginia, he documented men, women and children of all ages in stunning detail–sometimes serious, often less-so. This is one of those images that really brings someone from the past to vivid life in a way that historical photographs don’t always do. I like to imagine the photo-shoot that took place here: whose idea was it to pose in the flower bush, and what was said just before the picture was taken that we see Bella laughing at over 100 years later?”

 

Jen Cabiya, Project Coordinator for the National Digital Newspaper Project in Ohio

“This 1903 photograph by Harry Kinley (1882-1969) shows a cat sitting on a cushion on the Kinley family porch. The woman on the right is dressed in formal wear, which makes me think maybe a family portrait was being taken that same day. Many family photos on Ohio Memory include beloved pets, but this glaring kitty obviously needed their own spotlight.”

 

Kristen Newby, Digital Projects Coordinator

“This photograph shows Senator Warren G. Harding giving a campaign rally speech to a crowd outside his home in Marion, Ohio, in 1920. I love this photograph because it gives us a unique perspective on this moment in time, and what Harding’s front porch campaign rallies were like. We can see Harding’s dignified expression and presence, a photographer and other ‘behind the scenes’ individuals sitting on the porch behind him, and the stern yet captivated expressions on the faces of those in attendance. I wonder what he was talking about that day, if his thoughts were well received, and what the crowd took away from it. Even though his presidency was marred by scandal and corruption, I like to think that in this moment he’s hopeful for a better America. ”

 

Jillian Ramage, Manager, Digital Services Department

“What’s not to love about this photo?! If this dog had a thought bubble it would say: “What shoe? I don’t see a shoe.” This photo makes me laugh as a dog owner because we have all been here, but it’s those funny little quirks of our pets that make us love them even more. This photo also feels timeless to me. I can totally see this dog as a social media hit today! I should also add that this photograph is from the Ohio Guide Collection, which is one of the first projects I worked on when I started working at the Ohio History Connection eleven years ago.”

 

Phil Sager, Web Developer

“The flag of the 7th Ohio O.V.I. has significance for me personally. But more than that, it also symbolizes the historic and enormous role that Ohioans have always played in times of war and crisis. My 2nd great-uncle was a corporal in Company D of the Ohio 7th, a regiment that saw battle in Antietam, Gettysburg, and many other Civil War battles. We should never forget the sacrifices of our ancestors.”

 

Jenni Salamon, Unit Manager, Digitization

“This photograph shows penguins on display at the 1936 World’s Fair, also known as the Great Lakes Exposition, which was held in Cleveland. The exposition grounds spanned 135 acres along Cleveland’s lakefront from Public Hall to Municipal Stadium east to 20th Street. It opened to the public June 27, 1936, and ran for one hundred days. Penguins have been one of my favorite animals since first grade, and this picture captures why that is: they are simultaneously regal and silly, a truly delightful combination!”

Do you have a favorite object on Ohio Memory? The diverse collections available have something of interest to everyone. Browse Ohio Memory to find a historic item that means something to you!

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Thanks to Kristen Newby, Digital Projects Coordinator, for this week’s post!

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